Base rates of the WAIS-R intersubtest scatter and VIQ-PIQ discrepancy in normal elderly

J Clin Psychol. 1995 Jan;51(1):70-8. doi: 10.1002/1097-4679(199501)51:1<70::aid-jclp2270510112>3.0.co;2-i.

Abstract

This study provides base rates for WAIS-R VIQ-PIQ discrepancy and for 3 indices of intersubtest scatter in a sample of high functioning normal elderly. High correlations between indices of scatter, such as (1) range of scatter; (2) Profile Variability Index; and (3) number of subtest scores that significantly deviated from the individual's own mean, indicate that easy-to-compute range can be used as an adequate measure of scatter in many clinical settings. The results suggest that bright elderly individuals display a large degree of scatter. The clinician should base judgment regarding abnormality of the WAIS-R indices on the rarity of the value demonstrated by the individual with respect to the sample of comparable age and intelligence level.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intelligence*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Psychometrics
  • Psychomotor Performance*
  • Reference Values
  • Vocabulary*
  • Wechsler Scales / statistics & numerical data*